Team leader, unselfish and talented might be three ways to describe Wright City junior Madison Carter. “She led us in scoring (17 points a game), steals (5 per game) and assists (4 per game) last year,” said head coach Misty Haley. “She’s worked very hard in the off-season to get stronger and improve her outside shot. She’s not a selfish player and works hard at getting her teammates involved.”

Years of playing travel ball have helped Madison perfect that attitude.

“Travel ball lets you know that you’re not the only talented player on the court and that your teammates need to be involved in every play,” said Carter who is also a member of the National Honor Society.

Last year also brought on another important role for the Lady Lumberjax point guard.

“We asked Madison to take on the role of team leader last year which was a huge step for a sophomore because we didn’t have any seniors, and she handled it well,” said Haley. “She leads both vocally and by example and doesn’t ask anything of her teammates that she’s not willing to do herself.”

In addition to basketball, Madison also played softball up until last year and runs track for Wright City. She comes from a pretty basketball-savvy family which has inspired her interest in the game.

“I used to go with my uncle to the gym when he would work out and play games and that got me interested and then I watched two of my cousins, Robert and C.J. Briley, have good careers here.”

In terms of her leadership style, Carter is pretty straight-forward.

“When I see people with bad attitudes or with their head down, I just try to pick them up and tell them to get it on the next play. In practice I work to get them doing what the coach wants so if we’re running and I see someone walking, I’ll get on them and try to show how to do what’s expected.”

Madison says she would like to average around 25 points a game this year and with everyone back from a team that went 21-7 last year, expectations are high for the Lady ‘Jax this season.